Good or Bad opportunity??

I like things original. I don't have the time or money for concours, but if I did, I'd be all over it like a tramp on chips.

Anyway, so an opportunity has come up to buy a very clean and tidy 1989 110 2 door. It's flat paint is in desperate need of a polish, but it's very clean and very straight. It's done just 90k miles. Obviously being original, it's a 2.5td, but is this so bad? I'm of mixed opinion...

He want's good money for it, saying he won't let it go for less than £3k, but I'm sure I deal could be done at £2500.

But do I want to spend £2500 on a truck that really needs a 200tdi put in it?

Thanks

Adam

I asked this question when buying one and was told the TD's are OK but have a habit of self destructing and are under powered.... having never had one though I wouldnt like to say 100%...

are you going to drop the 200tdi in yourself. i would see it as an oportunity to get to know the vehicle and its engine a blank canvas if you will. i paid £2200 for my 90 2.5td which is a solid straight machine that had been well looked after, lots of receipts the engine is strong with plenty of life left in it so i will do my 200tdi swap in my own time. if everything else is good and it feels right go for it. paint it whatever colour you like if the paints faded. fit bits to it make it your own. if its arunner you just tootle aroung in it doing everything at your own pace, a long term project that you can still be messing about in. thats what i think anyway but then again i dont always necessarily agree with everything i say

The current owner has had it 6 years and has said the 2.5td is fine, but underpowered if carrying a heavy load. All the time it ain't broke, I'm not going to fix it, so I guess in time I could stick at 200tdi in it. But I won;t be doing it myslef!! I wish! Ha.

I'll have a think. At the right price it seems like a good buy.

On the topic of paint, can the flat dull faded paint be brought back or will it need some fresh paint?

depends how bad it is, a simple t cut may do it. paint can be brought back to life with a process called mopping, you need a special mopping tool a load of water some specialised compound, patience and time. i think its quicker and easier to rub it down with an electric sander and attack it with a sponge roller. why not do the engine swap yourself, theres plenty of information on here and its not as scary as it sounds and think of the knowledge you will gain from it

captain skellon said:

depends how bad it is, a simple t cut may do it. paint can be brought back to life with a process called mopping, you need a special mopping tool a load of water some specialised compound, patience and time. i think its quicker and easier to rub it down with an electric sander and attack it with a sponge roller. why not do the engine swap yourself, theres plenty of information on here and its not as scary as it sounds and think of the knowledge you will gain from it

Click to expand...

I would strongly suggest to get someone who knows what they are doing to mop paint, its very easy to burn through the paint, you are basically taking the top layer off and too much pressure will take it all off. You can do a test area by hand, got to a local paint shop and get some G3 compound, work it in by hand for a few minutes to a small area and this will give you an idea on how salvagable the paint is...

I'd love to Captain! I have a friend who could do it so perhaps if I go down that route we can muck in together and get it done. Would certainly be an opportunity to learn a LOT about the truck.

A also have a friend with a mop. Sorted.

look forward to some before and after piccies if you go for it

The old 19J engines (2.5TD) really are sluggish compared to a 200Tdi. And bear in mind we're talking about a car that is not particularly fast to start with. I think you'd find it disappointing - motorway trips would be a real misery, for example. That's why everyone wants to replace them with a 200Tdi.

There's nothing wrong with them in themselves; they were fine for the time (well, for 1948, anyway). But if you can stretch to a car two years younger, you'll get an engine that's a generation of technology better.

Another possibility is that you could look at a Series III, especially if you like things vintage and original. This will also not go fast, but is much rarer and more attention-grabbing than a 90.

I had td and did the conversion using discovery tdi engine, there is a very noticeable difference in performance. Personally i would consider getting a defender 200tdi engine if you want it original but discovery is good.